“Texas is an up-and-coming market, and we’re impressed with what we’re seeing there,” said Co-Founder & chief executive officer Mike Stevens in the press release. “We’ve been getting more and more inquiries from Founders fans in Texas over the past couple of years. The Ben E. Keith team is dedicated to the craft beer market and is helping introduce complex brands like ours to eager consumers who are hungry for them. Besides, we’ve always wanted to get Founders beer to Willie Nelson’s home state. Now the time is right.”

“We are delighted to partner with Founders and are eager to distribute their esteemed beers in Texas,” said Kevin Nettleton, specialty division manager at Ben E. Keith.

Founders said it plans to include all of its year-round and seasonal ales as draft product in the first shipment for an April 8 release. Bottled beers will be released in May, and specialty releases will be available following the release schedule from there. This announcement comes on the heels of the company’s latest expansion update.

Ben E. Keith Co., established in 1906, began selling Anheuser-Busch products in 1933. Today, Ben E. Keith Co.’s Beverage division is the third largest independent beer wholesaler in the country. The company also distributes import beers, craft beers, wine products and nonalcoholic beverages.